Rugby World Cup: Can France do it again Oui, and non

Marc Lievremont with his players at yesterday's training session at Onewa Domain in Takapuna. Photo / Dean Purcell

French coach Marc Lievremont doesn't mind telling you one thing and then the total opposite - almost in the same breath.

When asked at yesterday's team announcement about his side's lack of flair, he answered: "If we have to win this match [Sunday's final against the All Blacks] playing how we played versus Wales, we will do so."

Seconds later, a journalist asked him: "Can you win playing that way?"

Without dropping a beat, Lievremont, who was part of the squad that beat the All Blacks in 1999 to make the tournament final, was equally emphatic: "No, I don't think so."

He was calm, even conciliatory, when asked to comment further on his accusation that some players were "spoilt brats" for going out on the turps after their semifinal.

"When I read my words in the written press I realise I probably could have stayed quiet.

"What we need to do is focus on our solidarity and our aggression in the run-up to this match."

Later, when lock Pascal Pape, half-back Dimitri Yachvili, fullback Maxime Medard and flanker Julien Bonnaire turned out for a press conference, they took a laissez-faire attitude.

They wandered in at different times and wandered off when they had had enough.

One promised that whatever the outcome there would be a party, maybe with the press - a section of which his coach has been feuding with.

Pape got a laugh from the media group when he slipped in a dig about his country's cross-channel rivals.

"Sometimes we have problems with the press but don't worry, we're a long way behind the English."

Meanwhile, Rugby New Zealand 2011 communications manager Mike Jaspers reiterated that the proud and preening symbol of French rugby - the rooster - would not be allowed at Eden Park this weekend.

In the past, French fanatics have tried to smuggle birds into games, but wildlife is forbidden.

"It's prohibited," Mr Jaspers said. "If you allow one cock in, you let the whole farm in."